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Graceful aging

Sunscreens – Always Read the Label

New FDA labeling requirements have taken the guesswork out of choosing an effective sunscreen. Products have to state how much protection they actually provide and be scientifically tested to back up those claims. The risk of skin cancer is ever prevalent even though most people think it will never happen to them.

Is your sunscreen labeled as being broad spectrum? When the label proclaims a sunscreen to be broad spectrum that means it’s been tested and proven to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Once upon a time labels simply stated an SPF number. But even a high SPF number only indicates a product’s protection from UVB – the shorter wavelengths responsible for sunburn. Everyone needs protection from longer UVA wavelengths too – the ones that penetrate deeper and cause skin cancer, brown spots and wrinkling. In order for a sunscreen to claim it protects against skin cancer and not just sunburn, the FDA now requires it must offer broad spectrum protection.

Does your sunscreen have a sun protection factor or SPF of at least15? The FDA rules a sunscreen must be SPF 15 or higher in order to claim it protects against skin cancer. A cap has been set on this number at SPF 50+ since anything over 50 doesn’t give you much more protection.

Does the label say your sunscreen is water-resistant? It should be if you’re swimming or participating in an outdoor sport. Terms like “waterproof” or “sweatproof” are a thing of the past because the FDA has determined them to be misleading. New regulations require labels bearing the words “water-resistant” state how long you can expect to get the declared SPF level while swimming or sweating. Based on standardized testing, it’s either up to 40 or 80 minutes so it’s important to reapply.

Did you know that sunscreens that don’t pass the broad spectrum test – meaning they’ll only prevent sunburn and will not reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging – are required to include a warning specifying their sun-protective limitations? The same goes for sunscreens with an SPF lower than 15.

Play it safe and choose a sunscreen that’s broad spectrum with an SPF of at least 15 and water resistant as needed. Not all sunscreens are created equal. Read the label and avoid getting “burned” in more ways than one.

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Skin & Beauty Center, is a full-service cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology practice dedicated to skin and beauty. We strive to offer you unparalleled standards of safety and care using only the latest techniques and advances in the field of dermatology. We see patients from Burbank, Glendale, Northridge, Santa Clarita and surrounding areas. We look forward to seeing you.